in vitro

adverb or adjective

in vi·​tro in-ˈvē-(ˌ)trō  -ˈvi- 

-ˈwē-

: outside the living body and in an artificial environment

Examples of in vitro in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

CalPERS also recently added a benefit covering medical costs for in vitro fertilization across all basic plans, including PPO and HMO plans, beginning next July. — William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2026

The announcement came after Marissa documented her in vitro fertilization (IVF) journey on social media. — Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 14 July 2026

Because these cells are typically obtained from early-stage embryos donated through in vitro fertilization, their use has prompted debate over the moral status of human embryos. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 10 July 2026

Lab research on human embryos, usually donated by in vitro fertilization patients, remains strictly regulated in most countries and is usually only permitted for a period of 14 days after the embryo’s creation. — Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 8 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, literally, in glass

First Known Use

circa 1894, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for in vitro

• nitro

Kids Definition

in vitro

adverb or adjective

in vi·​tro in-ˈvē-(ˌ)trō 

: outside the living body and in an artificial environment

an egg fertilized in vitro

Etymology

Latin, literally, "in glass"

Medical Definition

in vitro

adverb or adjective

in vi·​tro in-ˈvē-(ˌ)trō  -ˈvi- 

: outside the living body and in an artificial environment

growth of cells in vitro

in vitro studies